Tyler Winklevoss, CEO and co-founder of Gemini, has announced that the crypto exchange will no longer hire graduates or interns from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) until the university severs ties with former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This declaration, made on January 30 via X, underscores a growing divide between crypto advocates and regulatory figures. Winklevoss’ stance comes as a direct response to Gensler’s return to MIT , where he is now teaching and researching artificial intelligence in finance, fintech, and regulatory policy. Gensler previously led the SEC under the Biden administration, where he spearheaded aggressive enforcement actions against the crypto industry, including a $21 million fine against Gemini for allegedly selling unregistered securities through its Gemini Earn program in partnership with the now-bankrupt Genesis. Crypto Industry Divided Over Hiring Ban The announcement quickly gained traction, with some crypto advocates showing support. Bitcoin advocate Erik Voorhees encouraged other crypto firms to adopt a similar boycott, stating, “Every crypto company should boycott MIT grads until Gary is fired.” Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong echoed this sentiment in the past, urging firms to steer clear of law firms employing SEC enforcers. However, not everyone in the industry agrees with Gemini’s hardline stance. Sergey Gorbunov from Axelar Network argued against penalizing students for the actions of one professor, offering instead to hire MIT graduates. Preston Byrne, head of UK legal for Arkham, deemed the boycott an overreach, saying, “Not hiring law firms who employ SEC enforcers is one thing. Not hiring MIT graduates seems like overkill.” Jiasun Li, an associate professor at George Mason University, suggested a more targeted approach — boycotting students who enroll specifically in Gensler’s classes. A Battle for Crypto’s Future Winklevoss remains unwavering in his condemnation of Gensler, asserting that any organization hiring the former SEC chair is betraying the crypto sector. “No amount of apology can undo the damage he has done to our industry and our country,” he stated in a November 16 X post. While Gensler’s departure from the SEC in January 2024 marked a shift, the commission, now led by Mark Uyeda, has continued its involvement with crypto. Uyeda and Commissioner Hester Peirce recently voted in favor of approving a spot Bitcoin ETF, with Peirce now heading the SEC’s newly established crypto task force. The post Gemini Boycotts MIT Over Gary Gensler Return, Sparks Debate appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .
